“Did all of these children come out of you?”

This question was asked by a pharmacist to a woman in line with her three children and one on the way.  The mother was asking about saline nasal spray, and received a diatribe about birth control from her friendly local pharmacist.  I came across this absurdity while reading a post from Evil HR Lady (could the name be any better?).  Since when do pharmacists have a right to comment on the families or the family planning of any American citizen?  Holy crap batman.

This story brought back terrifying memories of the time I thought I was pregnant when my second child was a mere 4 months old.  So, I had not had a period since my youngest was born, and I was paranoid beyond belief that I was pregnant again.  I had a 24 month old, a 4 month old, and a possible zygote growing in my uterus.  My mind was playing tricks on me and I seriously thought I was pregnant again. My boobs were killing me and I had phantom fetal movements (gas) in my abdomen.  This could not be happening.  I needed confirmation.

So, I dragged my butt to the local pharmacy, dragging my double stroller with the toddler and newborn in tow.  I was a hot mess with unwashed hair, dirty tee-shirt, and wearing my husbands sweatpants (sexy).  So I grabbed a bottle of wine and a pregnancy test and proceeded to the check out.  The cashier looked at me like I was the scum of the earth, breeding like a rabbit and drinking like the Irish (one of these is true).  I felt the hot stare of judgment breathing down my back as I proceeded to check out.

The pregnancy test was negative (TG), yet I still felt the judgments of the pharmacy staff bearing down on me.  Are they not held to the same standards as other health care professionals?  Why are they allowed to comment or hold power over our personal lives and choices?  The answer is, they are not.

Evil HR lady will be addressing what to do with a pharmacist who is that unprofessional and tacky.  I would fire his ass.  Read her site to see what she would do.

RR